Petrochemicals are chemical compounds or substances derived from petroleum or natural gas. They are the building blocks of the chemical industry and are used as raw materials in the production of a wide range of consumer products, including plastics, synthetic fibers, paints, drugs, cosmetics, and fertilizers. Some common examples of petrochemicals include ethylene, propylene, benzene, toluene, and xylene. Petrochemicals play a critical role in modern industrial processes and are vital to many sectors of the global economy.